I attend a small catholic church in a White neighborhood. On a good day, we’re about ten Black people at most. On two or three occasions, I think I have only been the only Black person there. I only say this to give you a visual color demographics of the church – so to say.
The catholics do this peace-be-with-you thing where everyone shakes their neighbor’s hand, and it’s supposed to mean that we’re all at peace (and wishing each other the peace of the Lord). Ever since the swine flu palaver broke out last year (or was it this year?), the members of this particular catholic church I go to have stopped shaking hands with each other, apparently to stop the spread of swine flu. Some people still shake hands, but most just smile or bop their heads up and down.
Silly me, I didn’t know. I still went to church stretching my arm out, only to be met by apprehensive faces. Honestly, I thought it had something to do with my race. I later found out that the swine flu was the reason for their lack of hand shakes. Unfortunately, I still think my race has something to do with it. Why? Because this catholic church is in a predominantly White neighborhood with older, more conservative White people. Oh, and they’re mostly Republicans, too – if that means anything to you. I should also mention that I noticed the lack of hand shakes before the swine flu broke out.
I’m always almost breaking out in sweat whenever it’s time for peace-be-with-you because I never know what kind of neighbor I have sitting next to me. Some of them are very happy to shake my hand while the rest could not be bothered. I don’t want to stretch my arm out and be left hanging. At the same time, I don’t want to leave anyone hanging. What to do, what to do?
Anyone else thinking what I’m thinking? I think that prior to the peace-be-with-you, I should interview all my neighbors and ask them how they feel about having their hands shaken. It will save us all some time and embarrassment. And repressed anger.
What say you?
Vera, I am sure your church neighbours wish you peace, they just don't want to give you the white swine flu or catch the black swine flu from you. lol!
I too attend a catholic church where 90% are old white folks, and yes they have stopped shaking hands. However, some people still do.
It has very little to do with race. In fact, the same time that they stopped shaking hands, the fathers and the other people giving the Holy Communion at my church use a hand sanitizer to clean their hands. It's funny- right at the front alter is a large bottle of sanitizer o_0
I actually think its good not to shake hands. I hate siting behind someone and watching them wipe their nose, and cough into their hands, and then I'm expected to shake their hands LOL. Nasty.
good idea…ask b4 u shake hands.
Lol.. My own na to laugh..
Biko, what happened to the lord heals all things and in God's presence there's no ……… fill in the blank spaces..
Haha 2cute4u, the Lord heals all things but common sense is required as well.
You're lucky you don't have to greet one another with a holy kiss.
in malaysia, they put their palms together and give a tiny bow when it's time for peace be unto you. very asian thing to do. you could try it, sha, lol
Smiling and bobbing heads is not too bad. The fear of H1N1 is the beginning of wisdom.
LOOOL I know what you mean. It's more predominant in Catholic churches I must say. I attend both Catholic and Anglican and the Anglican ones are less "anti-handshaking". I think everyone just wants to blame the swine flu! hehe! Poor swine flu!
~x~
I think you can with what Z said. They may just assume that's a Nigerian way though. But your health come first
LOL…
I dunno, but that "peace-be-with-you" part of mass is the part i enjoy most. Smiling and bobbing your head sounds really lame to me.
Just smile and bob heads too.
If the kind peace u dey wish upon them na the kind that will potentially have them bedridden. I can understand their reluctance lol
I would probably just sit and stare stonily at everyone and wait for whoever to make the first move… I also need to protect myself from the flu, not so…?
Peace be with you and also with me.
Lol.
Something like this happened to me last year but i think it was just one individual that looked like she wanted to wash her hands afterward. I got over it and now I go to a very good church with friendly people.
Lol… At least it's not hugs you guys give. Imagine being left hanging in the middle of a hug!
I say, just smile and nod. If a hand is extended to you, by all means shake it, but do remember to always wash your hands…. safety first! 😉